3 Sure Ways to Survive & Thrive in the First School Term
Even though your major examinations might only be at the end of the year, having a struggle-free, fruitful first term will give you the foundation to face the rest of your academic year confidently. Here are 3 ways to have a successful first term at school!
Craft your personal learning style
By now, you might have heard about different students having different learning styles, but how can you discover and implement your own methods? The first thing you can do is recognize the different settings that learning takes place in. The way you learn in a classroom can be very different from the way you learn while you revise on your own. During your first term, take your time and figure out how to get the most out of each class period. What will you do before, during and after each class? For example, some subjects might require more note taking while others require you to devote your time to listening and making sense of new concepts. You might also find that reading ahead helps you feel more prepared for certain classes. At home, you might want to get into the habit of revising immediately for subjects that are content heavy or take the time to make your own notes depending on what works best for you.
Stay organised
Don’t wait till the end of the school year to start getting organised! Staying organised during your very first term can prevent you from having to play catch up later in the year which can be extremely stressful and take a toll on your grades and mental health. Some teachers may require you to have a filing system for all your notes, homework, and supplementary worksheets. Even if they don’t, have a system for yourself to prevent losing any resources that will aid you in self study and revision. Use a planner for submission deadlines and set your own personal deadlines to keep up with revision. Most importantly, being organised will give you clarity and help you spot anything you are currently struggling with. Clarifying these earlier and tackling them in your first term will set you up for success!
Maintain your health and well-being
Your first school term can come with lots of new information to absorb, adjustments to make and a new schedule to follow. To survive and thrive in the midst of all these big changes, it is important to stay on top of your healthy lifestyle. Maintain healthy eating habits and make sure to get enough exercise each week! A balanced and nutritious diet is beneficial for your brain health while physical activity can improve your memory and concentration and help you perform at your best in school. Getting enough rest, practising mindfulness and engaging in your hobbies will also contribute to your well-being and ensure your first term goes smoothly!
